Review of MALL (Mobile-Assisted Language Learning packages

When people talk about e-Learning (electronic learning) or m-Learning (mobile learning), most tend to define e-Learning or m-Learning as “the use of x, y, z technology to learn something” or “the integration of x, y, z technology” in teaching and learning.

This type of definition is “technologically driven” rather than “academic driven” or “knowledge driven.” In fact, this definition is a form of operational definitionor technical definition, not a conceptual definition.

In order to understand further on this issue, we need to go back to the definition of “learning”. What is learning?

Generally, “Learning” is a PROCESS of

acquisition of knowledge or values

mastery of skills or behaviors

assimilation of new info into one’s existing knowledge system, and

accommodation of new info into one’s existing knowledge system

in a given context that has prescribed specific intended learning objectives (ILOs) to be achieved by the learners. Some educators refer to ILO as outcome-based learning, OBL. Still some others simply call it “learning outcomes” besides “learning objectives”.

Thus, when the terms “electronic” or “mobile” are coined with the word “learning”, like in e-Learning and m-Learning, conceptually, “learning” is still the major focus, not the technology. Technology is only a tool to enhance the learning process. Technology can be seen as an enabling tool to facilitate teaching or learning.

In other words, regardless of whether ‘e-‘ or ‘m-‘, the bottom line is learning is more important than the technology. Therefore, it is more appropriate to spell ” e-Learning” and “m-Learning” rather E-learning or M-learning. The “L” is more crucial here.

When “learning’ is seen more important than “technology” in the education world, then teachers would find some innovative and creative ways to exploit the potential of technology in their teaching. They know that they will not be controlled by the technology but they are the ones who control the technology. Therefore, teachers should find appropriate pedagogical techniques when they use technology.

A. The definition and scope for mobile learning (m-Learning)

Conceptually, mobile learning is a general term that describes learning mode or style that employs mobile apps and mobile gadgets for learning purposes.

Technically or operationally, mobile learning is the use of mobile devices like smartphone, iPad, or Tab in mobile learning environment and/or in conventional classroom. (PDA, Walkman, Laptops are also mobile devices but are used in the old definition of mobile learning; the old definition of mobile learning focuses on the mobility of learning)

B. The definition and scope for mobile language learning (MLL)

Conceptually, mobile language learning is a specific term that describes language learning mode or style that employs mobile apps and mobile gadgets for language learning purposes.

Technically or operationally, mobile language learning is the use of mobile devices like smartphone, iPad, or Tab in mobile learning environment and/or in conventional classroom.

C. The definition and scope for mobile-assisted language learning (MALL)